Passport question

[BlueStar*123]

We just booked an Alaskan a land sea cruise:) we have our passports. We fly into anchorage and finish the cruise in Vancouver. Then fly back to California. One of us has an arrest 35 years ago. Could.we be denied getting on the ship because we fly out of Vancouver . Crazy question I know, but a friend just told me Canada could deny entry on boat if we are denied entry to get off the boat!

[paul929207]

I don't know all the legal rules, but Canada does block entry to people with a record. Did the arrest lead to a conviction or guilty plea? I would recommend your friend find a lawyer specializing in this type of law.

[cruisead]

Yes, this person could be denid boarding, depending on what the arrest was for. If it was a felony, or for DUI, that's pretty serious in Canada.

[taglovestocruise]

Same thing happened to us, our daughter in law has a dui on her record that she got in Ca. in 2002, she was 16 at the time, She called the Canadian Consulate last year and was told that she absolutely could not fly into Vancouver to board the ship, and was told it was a lifetime penalty. The only thing that might be in you favor is that 30 years ago record keeping was not as good.. There is a service Canada offers to rehabilitate felon's, it runs about $2200.00 Kiss Alaska via Canada goodbye..happy cruising

[Keith1010]

It might be wise for you to contact the Canadian Consulate in the USA.

 

Keith

[sparks1093]

It might be wise for you to contact the Canadian Consulate in the USA.

 

Keith

 

This is what I would do.

[CruisingAlong4Now]

A great rule. Way to go Canada.

 

I wish the USA would adopt this rule and keep the felons out.

[CaptData]

Do you have time to get a pardon? It would erase the record.

[thinfool]

OP said 'arrest', not conviction.

 

Maybe a clarification could be made.

[zqvol]

If it was just an arrest, it is not an issue, if it was a conviction, it MIGHT be an issue depending on the nature of the offense.

[martincath]

Even with a conviction, if it was 35 years ago then there's a good chance the person would be 'deemed rehabilitated' anyway unless it was a very serious crime. But as with almost all Qs of this type, without a LOT more info even someone intimately familiar with Canadian criminal and immigration law cannot give a good quality reply.

 

The relevant info as to how a person with a criminal record can enter Canada is found here - but unless they 'apply for a pardon' (now referred to as a 'record of suspension' for convictions in Canada, or 'applying for criminal rehabilitation' for convictions elsewhere) there are NO guarantees. You just show up at the border, with any and all documentation related to the offence, and it is entirely up to the discretion of the officer you speak with whether they deem you rehabilitated or not.

 

Incidentally the fee for a 'pardon' is not and has never been $2200 - it's *either* $200 for minor offences, *or* $1000 for more serious crimes. You pay $200 at the time, and they'll ask for the extra $800 if your crime is serious enough. Fees have been lower in the past. Either way, if your application is successful you won't have hassle ever again - for THAT offence. It can take a year or more to get the paperwork down though.